PROXIMITY COMMANDERS’ MEETING BETWEEN RDF AND TPDF CONVENES IN RWANDA TO ADDRESS CROSS-BORDER MATTERS

Ngoma, 02 December 2025

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) are convening the 14th Proximity Commanders’ Security Meeting from December 02 to 04, 2025, in Eastern Province at Ngoma District. This meeting brings together military commanders deployed along the shared border from both Rwanda and Tanzania to address key security matters and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

TPDF delegation is led by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade. He was received by Major General Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division.

Upon arrival, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Kirehe district officials, where they were received by Mayor Bruno Rangira, who briefed them on the key concerns about cross-border activities for both population of Kirehe district and those from across the border of Ngara district in Tanzania.

The first day of the meeting also included field visits to key border areas to assess the security challenges facing communities on both sides. The delegations jointly visited Mitako in Nyamugali Sector and Bitarimpura porous border in Kigarama Sector of Kirehe District.

Both delegations observed the need for urgent action to jointly address illegal cross-border and initiate opportunities for socio-economic activities which will benefit the population who live across both sides of the border.